Nyle DiMarco Joins SXSW as Executive Producer for Sign Language Documentary ‘The Way We Move’

Nyle DiMarco Joins Documentary on ASL Interpreter Amber Galloway

Nyle DiMarco has been appointed as executive producer for the feature documentary The Way We Move, which explores the impactful work of renowned American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter Amber Galloway. This announcement follows the film’s successful premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival last month.

Galloway has gained recognition for her unique ability to make music accessible to the Deaf community, performing at concerts for artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Lana Del Rey, A$AP Rocky, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The documentary captures her mission of mentoring emerging interpreters Julian Ortiz and Angela “AV” Vilavong, preparing them for performances at prestigious events like Austin City Limits, the Grammys, and the Super Bowl. Notably, Ortiz recently delivered a standout performance during Bad Bunny’s halftime show.

Produced by Paris-based Wagram Productions, a subsidiary of indie label Wagram Stories, the film also comes from What’s Up Films, the Oscar-winning production company of Matthieu Belghiti and Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, along with Autopilot, based in both Paris and Los Angeles.

Born into a multigenerational Deaf family and a graduate of Gallaudet University, which specializes in educating the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, DiMarco first gained fame as the first Deaf winner of America’s Next Top Model in 2015. Since then, he has built a multifaceted career, also stepping into directing with the upcoming documentary Deaf President Now!, selected for the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.

DiMarco expressed a deep personal connection to the documentary. "As a Deaf filmmaker, I’ve spent my career asking what it means to make culture truly accessible. The Way We Move answers that question beautifully," he stated. He emphasized the film’s role in challenging misconceptions about the Deaf community’s relationship with music. "What Amber Galloway does is more than interpretation. It’s a demonstration of the power of ASL, its ability to transcend language and reach something deeper than sound. It’s not a small thing. That’s a revolution happening on stage, in front of thousands of people. Stories like this one are exactly why I make films."

Following its debut at SXSW in the Documentary Spotlight section, The Way We Move was selected as the Closing Night film at La FIFA in Montreal in March and is scheduled to screen in several locations, including Milwaukee, France, South Korea, and Copenhagen. The film has been acquired by France’s ARTE for distribution in France and Germany, while international rights remain available.

Belghiti from What’s Up Films and Hubert Cornet of Wagram Productions expressed enthusiasm about DiMarco’s involvement. "His work at the intersection of storytelling and social impact, along with his influence and strong commitment to the Deaf community, perfectly aligns with the film’s vision," they stated.

Eleonore Dailly and Edouard de Lachomette from Autopilot added, "Nyle DiMarco joining The Way We Move isn’t just exciting — it’s exactly right. Nobody understands the power of what this film is about better than he does."

The Way We Move has received partial financing from Luxembourg-based impact investment fund Micellium and private investment advisor HORMÉ. Patrice Lucas, founder of Micellium, commented, "Supporting The Way We Move wasn’t just a financial decision — it was a values decision. This film captures something rare. We believe that stories have the power to shift culture, and culture is the foundation of lasting change."

He further noted that DiMarco’s involvement enhances the project’s impact, reinforcing the importance of Deaf representation and accessibility, creating ripples that extend far beyond the screen.